Emerging Issues in Science and Society

Postgraduate | 2026

Course page banner
Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
SCIE 5002
Course ID icon
Course ID
208044
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
Adelaide University
Course level icon
Course level
5
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

This course will examine science-related issues that affect society, as well as social issues that affect science. Implications for science policy, science education, science communication and scientific research will be considered. Students will work in teams to examine specific science-related issues that affect society and make recommendations for action. Students will prepare evidence briefs to inform decision makers. Students will examine specific social issues that affect science and prepare position statements on these issues. This course will provide historical perspective on the roles of science in society. It will enhance students' skills in teamwork, critical thinking, creative thinking and problem-solving to address issues in science and society.

Course learning outcomes

  • Critically analyse literature relevant to specific scientific advances and their social relevance.
  • Formulate logical evidence-based recommendations and supporting briefs related to issues in science and argue their relevance.
  • Negotiate complex societal issues in a team through collaborative investigation and reporting
  • Reflect on the social context of contemporary issues in science and relate its significance to practice in an individual field of specialisation.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed SCIENCE7035 Emerging Issues in Science and Society at the University of Adelaide

Assumed knowledge

N/A

Textbook(s)

N/A

Inherent requirements

N/A

Other resources

N/A

Assessment

N/A

Fee calculator

To display course fees, please select your status and program below:

We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.

Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.

Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.